Gladiator 2 (2024)

When word got out that there was to be a sequel to the beloved 2000 film ‘Gladiator’ there was a instant mixed reaction. I was part of the group that was basically saying “Why? It doesn’t need a sequel!” but at the same time I was curious as to how they were going to go about it giving how the first film ended.

Instead, ‘Gladiator 2’ follows Maximus’ son Lucius (Paul Mescal) which is set sixteen years after the first film. When Lucius’ homeland is invaded by the Romans and his wife is killed, Lucius is soon sent to the arena like his father before him. Whilst there, Lucius must learn what “Strength and Honour” means whilst learning about his own past.

I had only just missed seeing ‘Gladiator 2’ at the cinema when it came out as I wanted to see ‘Wicked’ and most of the cinemas where I live were too busy showing ‘Wicked’ instead. I was disappointed in this as I missed out on the first film because I would’ve ben a couple of years too young to watch it when it originally came out (kids under 15 can’t see a 15 rated film even if accompanied by an adult in the UK) so I had to wait for the home release.

My reactions are very mixed with ‘Gladiator 2’. As a huge fan of the original film (I often have the original film’s soundtrack on for working out to), I was disappointed in some aspects of it.

Emperors Tweedledee and Tweedledumb were very annoying to the point where I was glad Denzel Washington’s character had to teach them both a lesson in the end. Lucius’ story didn’t make any sense; why did he forget about his mother (Connie Nielsen still looks great for her age and in those outfits too) who took him to gladiator fights on the first film? The CGI animals were put-offing, especially the monkeys. Poor Pedro Pascal looked a bit too small in his Roman armour and that’s coming from the guy that played the Mandalorian himself. You’d think he’d look more comfortable in it.

On the plus side though, Harry Gregson Williams is a decent replacement for Hans Zimmer for the film’s score. Yes we do get ‘Now We Are Free’ on the end credits. Paul Mescal clearly tried his best with the role of Lucius (Lucius was originally played by a different actor on the first ‘Gladiator’ film). I honestly want to know what’s on his diet and workout routine in order to get like that.

Over all, ‘Gladiator 2’ is a decent stand alone film but as a sequel to what is considered one of the greatest films of all time, it’s not good.